The Greater Flagstaff Forests Partnership (GFFP) and its many partners will exhibit a new and exciting display at this year’s Science in the Park event at Festival of Science. TheHarvesting Methods and Forest Restoration Showcase will debut on Saturday, Sept. 22,10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Wheeler Park.

As the pace and scale of forest restoration efforts increase throughout the area, this is an opportunity for the community to experience and learn about the various types of logging methods that occur on thinning projects, like the Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project and the Four Forest Restoration Initiative, and the measures taken by professionals to reduce the risk of severe wildfires to our forests and communities.

Forestry and fire staff from the U.S. Forest Service, City of Flagstaff, AZ Dept. of Forestry & Fire Management, Coconino County, forest products industry representatives, along with many other partners, will be on-hand to discuss current and planned thinning and prescribed fire operations. Community members will have photo opportunities with Smokey Bear and NAU’s Louie the Lumberjack, and real woods loggers and firefighters. Other demonstrations and activities include NAU’s Logging Sports cross-saw demonstrations, a fun kid’s corner as well as getting close and personal with logging equipment and firetrucks.

Residents will also have the opportunity to gain valuable insight on how to reduce risk from wildfire to their home, property and family. This event is sponsored by the Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network (fireadaptednetwork.org/). Visit fireadapted.org/to learn more about becoming a Fire Adapted Community and gffp.org/ for the Greater Flagstaff Forests Partnership.